Plea offer extended in fatal crash case

Joyce Orlando Star_J_Orlando

Friday

Feb 9, 2018 at 3:25 PMFeb 9, 2018 at 4:21 PM

Tony Chad Story walked into court Friday to hear details of a plea arrangement offerd by prosecutors, but the hearing took an emotional turn when a family shared a story of devastation and loss they've felt since the death of Gregory Davis.

Gregory Davis' wife, daughter, mother and sister sat together as they heard what could happen to Story who is accused of causing the fatal collision on Sept. 18, 2017. The emotional scene that played out brought tears to more than just the family and defendant.

Story, 39, of Waco, is accused of causing a three-car crash that injured several people and ultimately killed Davis.

As he was driving north on Cherryville Road near Jess Hord Road, Story crossed the double yellow line, investigators say. Story’s car struck a black 2000 Nissan then Davis’ 1992 white GMC pick-up truck head-on causing it to roll down an embankment and land on its roof, according to reports from Highway Patrol.

Davis was flown to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte where he would die of his injuries nine days later.

Superior Court Judge Forrest Bridges allowed the Davis family to speak in court.

Davis' daughter, Stacy Davis, read a letter that was written by her mother.

"We were supposed to grow into our 80s. I lost my soul mate," the letter read.

The two spent 25 years together.

As her letter was read, sobs could be heard throughout the courtroom. People waiting for other cases could be seen wiping their eyes.

Stacy Davis spoke about the loss she continues to feel since her father's death.

"He was a bit rough around the edges, but he would give you the shirt off of his back," Stacy Davis said. "He was my hero."

Story's voice cracked when he was given a chance to speak.

"I would like to say I'm deeply sorry. I never meant to hurt anybody," he said.

According to Highway Patrol, Story was under the influence of an impairing substance when he got behind the wheel of his Mitsubishi Eclipse the day of the wreck. Assistant District Attorney Katie Sawyer read off a list of substances found in a drug test that was administer including methamphetamine, ketamine and THC.

As Story finished his apology, he sat down and cried into his cuffed hands.

Superior Court Judge Forrest Bridges delivered Story's possible fate. If he pleads guilty to the charges Story could serve five to seven years in prison and three years on parole. He is expected to accept the deal or plead not guilty during his next court appearance in April.

Until then, he is in Cleveland County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

As Story was escorted from the courtroom he looked at the Davis family and mouthed, "I'm sorry."

Joyce Orlando can be reached at 704-669-3341 or find her on Twitter @Star_J_Orlando.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.